THE BLOG

What It Feels Like to Live in 1650 (Emotional Insight from Vermeer)

Looking at this painting fills me with emotions like those I might have if I were actually there witnessing the thing it depicts. I feel for that milkmaid. It looks to me like she recently handwashed all of her clothes, but there’s dirt from much use that just won’t come out. But look how carefully, faithfully, diligently she’s doing her work.

Take a look. You can almost taste the bread.

What you feel from looking at this painting, can’t be communicated by any intellectual statement. When you appreciate it, it’s a use of your emotional ability as well as your intellectual ability.